I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book was a really fun and easy read. I give it four out of five stars merely because I thought some of the situations were extremely too coincidental for my taste to the point where it seemed a little bit unrealistic on some parts. Poor Beatrice has to endure going to jail and having to start over, to realize her true potential as a professional. I liked her character development and how she had to swim through uncertainty especially without her parents support. It is not easy to choose between love and moving forward with your career, and I think that this book provided a fine example of what that’s like.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for being able to provide a copy of this book, which I very much enjoyed .

i finally finished this one and i have mixed feelings.

i kind of enjoyed the chemistry and relationship between characters but i was confused about the forced proximity part. i wish there was more to these scenes because they were honestly my favorite. i also believe some more in depth development to the characters and events would benefit the storyline so much.

there was so much happening throughout the book and honestly it felt overwhelming at some point. i think author should have picked 2 events and develop them throughly instead of adding and adding stuff. i felt like this book is more of quantity over quality.

I think this book was marketed wrong. It's marketed as a romance, but you don't really get much romance. It seems like a romance for maybe the first 10-15%, and then you don't see the romantic interest until maybe 85%? I would consider this to be a literary fiction/contemporary fiction with a very slight romance subplot.
While I do think this story could have been much funnier in the right hands, it wasn't? Very meh, 3 stars.

I've liked other books by this author but I had a hard time with this one. Beatrice seemed so clueless as the manager of the hotel to what was really going on. She has her priorities so wrong focusing her whole life on work and I was glad she was forced to relax and enjoy some free time while the case was ongoing. Their whole forced proximity relationship was sweet by didn't take nearly enough of the story. When they go separate ways it becomes more a story of Beatrice's self-discovery of what's really important. When they finally get back together, it just seemed rushed and a little forced.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 3 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

great fast-paced and easy to read romance book! recommend to anyone who wants a lighthearted read!

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley and Phoebe MacLeod for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

Another hit from McLeod - i cant get enough of her books and i fly through them in a couple of hours and usually in one sitting. This was another hit - however the only negative i have is that the story was purely centred around Beatrice and I would have liked to have seen more from Jock and more about their love story

I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Too Busy For Love is a stand-alone force proximity romantic comedy by Phoebe MacLeod. Read above for the book blurb. I had never read a book by this author, but I had always wanted to. I am kicking myself for not following that impulse sooner. The book had me laughing in the first chapter. While this is a romcom, it is really about Phoebe. She was the manager of a London hotel and was proud of her job. She was blindsided when she was taken into custody in a raid of the hotel. While the police were investigating, she and Jock, the Chef, spent a week together and grew close. When they weren’t charged, they went their separate ways to find work, each believing that the other wasn’t interested in an ongoing relationship. Beatrice’s journey to find fulfilling work took her to some unusual places and in the end an old man encouraged her to put love first. She had to decide if she was really too busy for love. I loved Beatrice’s character. She was very naive in her original job as a hotel manager, and she found herself in an uncomfortable position as a result. She had to pivot on her job ideals and try to use her skills in different ways. Doing so resulted in connections that Beatrice used to make her dreams happen in a slightly different but much more fulfilling way. She grew so much during the book, going from an isolated hotel manager to a woman with a full life who went after what she wanted. The book was so funny I laughed out loud on a regular basis, and the story sucked me in immediately. If you are a reader who enjoys a good romcom, don’t miss this one. It was well worth it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - such an interesting and fun read. It was so enjoyable and there was so much going on it kept me intrigued.

The book itself came across as quite chaotic however it worked. The writing flowed well and the story line did not get bogged down at any point.
It was such an enjoyable read with many different aspects included.

The book was such a great mix of comedy and romance. I will definitely be trying more books from this author in the future. It was engaging and I had so much fun reading it.

In this fun modern romance novel, readers follow Beatrice from a hotel job in London on a new path when her hotel is raided by the police and she is released on bail (though limited to London). After rebuilding her life, Beatrice also finds herself moving away from Jack, the chef at the hotel who she spent a wonderful week with while they were on bail together. As she finds new opportunities for her life away from London and her old job, Beatrice’s future looks bright -- but she keeps thinking about Jack when she knows she can’t have feelings get in her way. With some fantastic locations, quirky and strong-minded characters, and complications throughout the novel, readers will love the physical and emotional journey that Beatrice goes on in MacLeod’s latest novel. Beatrice and Jack have a great dynamic and are strong characters on their own, while the other minor characters are excellent foils and bring out their other qualities. Of course, relationships are at the heart of this book, and Abby and Beatrice’s friendship is particularly well done. Emotional, exciting, and a fun read, fans of the romance genre are sure to love Beatrice and Jack’s relationship as well as the tropes and tricks that MacLeod employs to create this engaging and lighthearted read.

Too Busy for Love is a fantastic women's fiction, romantic comedy. Hotel manager Beatrice loves working at a unique boutique hotel in London. Sure the owner, and her boss, is a bit quirky but Beatrice enjoys her guests and her routine. Her world comes crashing down when the hotel is raided by the police and she and the chef, Jock, are arrested. Forced together under house arrest until the police decide to press charges or not, Beatrice and Jock make the best of their new, hopefully temporary, arrangement. When the police decide not to press charges, Beatrice and Jock end up parting ways.

Both characters move on with their lives, thinking about the other but not doing anything about reuniting. Beatrice is adamant that she get her life and career back on-track. When she's about to embark on a dream-come-true, she still can't stop thinking about Jock. Too Busy for Love is a wonder exploration of Beatrice's life and the path she wants to take and the path she needs to take.

My only complaint is the lack of Jock throughout this story. There wasn't nearly as much romance in the book as I thought there would be. Beatrice and Jock are wonderful characters, though I would have loved to learn more about Jock, and get to know him better.

I loved the entire story from the catastrophe at the beginning to the finale that pulls everything together. The secondary characters rounded out the story nicely and it was a pleasure to meet them. I was engaged in this book from the very beginning, and couldn't put the book down.

I read tis an an ARC on NetGalley. What a wonderful story of life not always working out as you initially planned, but at the end being able to fulfill your dreams, even if the roundabout route was taken. Highly recommend!

Phoebe MacLeod’s Too Busy for Love is a delightful rom-com that effortlessly blends humor, romance, and the unexpected joys of letting go of control. With a likable protagonist, a sizzling chemistry between the leads, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald.

The novel follows Beatrice, a meticulous and career-focused woman who has built her life around her job at a boutique hotel in London. Her structured world is turned upside down when a police raid at the hotel lands her in an unexpected predicament—released on bail and confined to London with none other than Jock, the hotel’s ruggedly charming chef. This unlikely pairing sets the stage for a series of misadventures and self-discoveries, as Beatrice begins to let her guard down for the first time in her life.

MacLeod does an excellent job of developing Beatrice’s character. At the start, Beatrice is a woman who thrives on routine, order, and career success. Her life revolves around her job, leaving little room for socializing or relationships. However, when the unexpected happens and her world of predictability is shattered, she’s forced to step out of her comfort zone. Jock, the complete opposite of Beatrice in every way—spontaneous, fun-loving, and laid-back—serves as the perfect foil to her structured nature. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, and their growing attraction feels both natural and inevitable.

What makes Too Busy for Love stand out is its balance between humor and heart. MacLeod infuses the story with hilarious situations and lighthearted moments, particularly during Beatrice and Jock’s “quarantine” in London. Their escapades across the city—trying new foods, exploring sights, and even indulging in some light mischief—give the novel a fun, breezy feel. But beneath the humor, there’s an emotional depth as Beatrice starts to question her life choices and whether her obsession with career success has left her missing out on love and happiness.

The romance between Beatrice and Jock is the beating heart of the novel, and MacLeod builds their connection with care. While their relationship begins under unusual circumstances, it grows slowly, allowing Beatrice to open up in ways she hasn’t before. Jock’s warmth and easygoing personality complement Beatrice’s cautious nature, and the way they balance each other out adds a layer of sweetness to their romance. It’s clear that Jock helps Beatrice rediscover parts of herself she’s long buried beneath her professional ambitions.

However, just as things start to heat up between them, reality rears its head. The police investigation is resolved, and Beatrice finds herself released without charge, free to return to her career and neatly organized life. This shift forces Beatrice to confront her feelings for Jock and decide what truly matters to her. The tension between pursuing her career dreams and the possibility of love gives the story emotional stakes that will keep readers invested in the outcome.

MacLeod’s writing is engaging and full of charm, with vividly drawn scenes of London and a cast of memorable supporting characters. From Beatrice’s overbearing boss to Jock’s cheeky sense of humor, the book is filled with quirky moments and interactions that add to the overall enjoyment. The pacing is tight, and while the story is light and fun, it also offers some deeper reflections on work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and the idea that it’s never too late to find love.

Final Thoughts:
Too Busy for Love is a charming, funny, and heartfelt rom-com that proves even the most organized of lives can be upended by love. Phoebe MacLeod has created a delightful romance with relatable characters and a story that will leave readers smiling from start to finish. Beatrice’s journey from a workaholic to someone who allows herself to embrace spontaneity and love is a joy to follow, and her chemistry with Jock provides plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Fans of light, witty romances with a dash of emotional growth will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Absolute delight! This charming rom-com follows Beatrice, a dedicated hotel worker whose orderly life is turned upside down when she gets caught up in a police raid and finds herself spending unexpected time with Jock, the hotel’s chef. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching Beatrice let her hair down and embrace life’s unpredictability is both heartwarming and hilarious.

Macleod’s writing is witty and engaging, making it easy to fall in love with the characters and their journey. The story is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and a touch of drama, proving that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for love. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that will leave you smiling, “Too Busy for Love” is the book for you!

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A fast paced rollercoaster of a romance. I love these romances with a strong highly driven but workaholic heroine who is forced to re- evaluate her priorities after a disaster hits. Some of the events are a little unusual but the plot works and the characters are great. I loved it.

My Thoughts: Too Busy For Love is the epitome of a romcom, it had me laughing right from the off when our main characters get caught in the middle of a scandal when the high end hotel they work at gets raided by the police and is found to be a brothel! – that definitely threw a spanner in the works of Beatrice’s life of order and perfection, poor Jock is shocked but just starts rolling with the punches..

Now their lives and careers have completely fallen through and with the possibility of a criminal record hanging over their heads they now have to try and carve out a new path.

Beatrice throws herself into being part of a reality show and Jock finds himself a chef at the equivalent of a greasy spoon.

With the help of some larger than life side characters Beatrice and Jock realise they need and want more from life & they both have a dream they want to achieve..

I really loved the fact that the romance wasn’t the main focus of this story, it was more about finding yourself and realising your worth and what your capable of.

I think this is the first book of Phoebes that I have read but it definitely won’t be the last.

📚Book Review: "Too Busy For Love" by Phoebe MacLeod
📚Genre: RomCom
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

🔍Too Busy For Love by Phoebe MacLeod is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and self-discovery set against the bustling backdrop of London. The story follows Beatrice, a workaholic hotel manager whose meticulously ordered life takes an unexpected turn when her boutique hotel is raided by the police, leaving her stranded in the city with only the charming hotel chef, Jock, for company.

💡Why You'll Love It:
❤Romantic Tension: The chemistry between Beatrice and Jock is palpable, filled with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and the undeniable attraction that keeps you turning the pages.
🏨Work-Life Balance: Beatrice’s struggle to maintain control over her work-life balance will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to juggle career ambitions with personal happiness. It’s a relatable tale of realizing that sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them.
😂Humor and Heart: Phoebe MacLeod's signature humor shines through, making this not just a romance but a feel-good story that will leave you smiling.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of contemporary romance with strong, career-focused heroines.
✨Readers who love stories about opposites attracting and finding love in unlikely places.
✨Anyone who enjoys a good laugh, a bit of London charm, and a whole lot of heart in their romance novels.

🌟 Don’t be too busy to fall in love with this delightful romance! Whether you’re juggling a hectic schedule or just looking for a sweet escape, Beatrice and Jock’s story will steal your heart. 💼❤Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#TooBusyForLove #PhoebeMacLeod #BookReview #WorkLifeBalance #OppositesAttract #ContemporaryRomance #RomCom #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

Too busy for love was a super cute romantic comedy, I loved the way the author captured the unique characters. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice light hearted read.

Beatrice works as a hotel manager, and on her birthday she’s arrested and finds out the hotel she works at is being run as a brothel. How could she have not known? That’s what the police want to know. But when head chef Jock also appears clueless to the ongoings in the hotel, they are both released.

Now Beatrice needs to find another job and go her separate ways from Jock. Will they find their way back to each other or will they both find the careers they desperately want elsewhere.

This book was just so busy, there were so many different story lines at some points I wasn’t sure what could happen next. But I did enjoy how fast paced it was and how much it kept me on my toes.

Thank you Phoebe MacLeod, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.